Boiler noise problem...any ideas?

aliasojo

Got a Worcester Bosch Greenstar 35i Combi Condensing Boiler, nearly 2 years old. It's started making a loud noise when you turn on the hot tap. It's a hard noise to describe but sounds a bit like a plane taking off (although obviously not quite as loud as that!)

It usually lasts for a few seconds before settling back to normal, but it seems to be lasting a little longer these days.

It's not the usual firing up noise that the boiler makes, it's definately a problem and can be so loud that OH can't turn the hot tap on to get washed when he gets up for work early in the morning as it would wake the whole house.

I did wonder if it was something to do with the pump? Any ideas? I'd just like to be a bit more in the know before calling someone out, so they're not tempted to rip me off.

TIA

aliasojo

Shameless bump in the hope someone will come along with a suggestion, lol.

weekendwarrior

Hi, I was hoping a plumber would answer this post but here is my penny's worth!

It sounds like it could be the pump, sometimes the bearings on the pump sieze and this can make strange noises.

Not an expert in the field so cannot offer much advice, A friend of mine had this problem and it lasted a few days longer with the help of some high temperature grease, be careful though. Make sure the boiler is isolated before attempting anything!

Good luck

aliasojo

Thanks ww. I'm not going to be trying to fix it myself, I just wanted to get an idea of what the cause could maybe be, before getting a tradesman out.

I'm sick of being quoted stupid prices for things just because I'm female and they think they can rip me off. If I casually drop into the conversation that I thought it might be the pump (or whatever other suggestions might come along), then they might think I know what I'm talking about and wont be tempted to con me by telling me it's the 'spring loaded coil heater with the temperature controlled sprig' that's at fault!

robowen

aliasojo wrote:

it's the 'spring loaded coil heater with the temperature controlled sprig' that's at fault!

Don't tell them that...they'll definitely know you know nothing !! :rotfl:

Difficult to say without seeing boiler first...I would say it is probably the pump.

rob

alanobrien

Definately sounds like a bearing, could be the pump then again if it is, the noise should appear when circulating the heating water as well as the hot water.

Could also be the fan bearings maybe ?

Methinks you will have to get a heating person to gve it the once over.

Mr_Skint_2

It could be the multi-valve flange pipe over correcting pressure
in the doobrey wotsit.

aliasojo

rob: I was worried that was what they were going to tell me! :rotfl:

alan: no noise when heating is on.....only when hot tap is turned.

Will have to bite the bullet and get someone out. Thanks for trying to help guys.

Mr Skint: forgive me if I think that's possibly not what the problem is.

Daveuk

aliasojo wrote:

Got a Worcester Bosch Greenstar 35i Combi Condensing Boiler, nearly 2 years old. It's started making a loud noise when you turn on the hot tap. It's a hard noise to describe but sounds a bit like a plane taking off (although obviously not quite as loud as that!)

It usually lasts for a few seconds before settling back to normal, but it seems to be lasting a little longer these days.

It's not the usual firing up noise that the boiler makes, it's definately a problem and can be so loud that OH can't turn the hot tap on to get washed when he gets up for work early in the morning as it would wake the whole house.

I did wonder if it was something to do with the pump? Any ideas? I'd just like to be a bit more in the know before calling someone out, so they're not tempted to rip me off.

TIA

Why not pop over to http://www.diynot.com/

They have a Plumbing and Central heating Forum there and you will probably get some help if you register and ask the question there.
Dave

ManAtHome

If there's a bit of gurgling as well as the jet plane, could be the water level (air in the system) - is there a bleed valve above the pump? On mine (non-condensing though), the radiator bleed key fits.

alanobrien

ManAtHome wrote:

If there's a bit of gurgling as well as the jet plane, could be the water level (air in the system) - is there a bleed valve above the pump? On mine (non-condensing though), the radiator bleed key fits.

Hmmmm pump cavitation, possible i guess but again i would expect that to happen under all conditions not just on the hot water. That said, more air comes out of solution when the water is hot so you have an interesting point !